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THE DEVIL'S STABU 

A PLAY IN ONE ACT 

BY 

F. J. NEWBOULT. 



The Fee for each and every representation of 
this Play by Arnateurs is Thirty Shillings and 
Sixpence, payable in advance to Samuel French, 
26 Southampton Street, Strand, London, W.G. 



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THE DEVIL'S STAR 



A PLAY IN ONE ACT 



By 
F. J. NEWBOULT 



COPYRIGHT 1916 BY F. J. NEWBOULT 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBWSHER 

28-30, WEST 38th STREET 



IvONDON 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26. Southampton Street 

STRAND 






Transferred fr»n, 
Copyn^-h- 0«r^ 

V4y y i^ 



m 28 1916 



THE DEVIL'S STAR 

Produced at the Gaiety Theatre, Manchester, by Mr, 
Douglas Gordon, October 19, 1914. 

Fred Fawthrop (Proprietor of the 

" Traveller's Rest ") . . . . Herbert Lomas. 

'Lizzie Fawthrop (his wife) . . . Hilda Bruce-Potter. 

Lord Milbank Grendon Bentley. 

Mr. Porritt Charles Groves. 

The Scene is the kitchen of " The Traveller's Rest." 

NOTE ON THE DIALECT. 

No attempt has been made to indicate the vowel-pronuncia- 
tion characteristic of the West Riding, as this would only 
puzzle and confuse the general reader. There are a few 
words and expressions, however, which it seemed essen- 
tial to introduce, and of these a glossary is appended : — 

" All of a twizzle " — Trembling with excitement. 

"As it lights " — As it happens. 

" Bahn " (bound) — Going. " Bahn to " — About to. 

" Cod " — Pretence, deception. 

" Choose how " (pron. chewzah) — However, no matter how. 

" Fettle " — ^Order. " I' right fettle " means in good order, 

and to " fettle up " is to clean and make tidy. 
" Gawmless " — Senseless. 
" Nobbut " (not but) — Only. 
" Navvy " — Canal. The navvy (labourer) is so called from 

his being employed on navigation v/or^. 
" Sitha " (see thou) — Look you. ^ 

" Summat " (somewhat) — Something. ;'- '. 

" Ta'en badly" — Taken ill. 



It will be noted that the dialect is not at all essential to the 
play, which will be equally effective if Fred and Lizzie are 
given the common speech of the district in which the performance 
takes place. 



^J 



The fee for each and every representation of this play by 
Amateurs is Thirty Shilhngs, payable in advance to — 

Messrs. Samuel French, Ltd., 

26 Southampton Street, 

Strand, London, 
or their authorized representatives. 

No performance may be given unless a written permission 
has first been obtained. 

All the costumes, wigs, and properties used in the per- 
formance of plays contained in French's list may be hired 
or purchased reasonably from Messrs. Charles H. Fox, 
Ltd., 27 Wellington Street, Strand, London. 



THE DEVIL'S STAR 

The first action opens at a little after ten o'clock on a 
Friday morning of midsummer, in the kitchen oj 
"The Traveller's Resl'7' Redbeck Bottom — a country 
'inn a few miles from Woolford, in the West Riding. 
The room extends the full width of the house, and 
serves also as sitting-room and bar. To the right 
is an old-fashioned window, slightly bowed, and 
furnished with a ivindow seat. Against the wall 
behind it stands an old oak bureau. Beyond this 
again is a door, now wide open, showing on what, 
when closed, is its outer side, an enamelled plate with 
the legend " Private." It leads to an entry, from 
which there is another door to the bar-parlour. A 
narrow slit of the open outer doorway shows also 
a glimpse of coiintry road, with a hawthorn hedge 
in the background. The fireplace, near the middle 
of the rear wall, which divides the kitchen from the 
bar-parlour; has an open range of the kind common 
in the West Riding. It has a high stone chimney- 
piece, on ivhich are a few tawdry ornaments, the 
most conspicuous being a china dog. To the left 
ofsthe fireplace is a high oaken settle, partially 
screening the bar, which occupies d recess. A 
brass rod carries heavy crimson curtains, which 
may be drawn across the bar, and the window is 
similarly fiirnished. A door on the left of the bar 
leads to the stairs, and the back-door is on the entreme 
left at the rear. In front of it an oaken dresser with 
plate-rack stands against the wall. There is a circular 
table near the window, and a larger square table in 
the middle of the room, both covered with table-cloths of 
5 



THE DEVIL'S STAR. 

figured material in red and blue. An easy-chair 
stands to the right of the fireplace, and several smaller 
chairs are placed near the tables. There is a polished 
steel fender before the fireplace, and in front of it a 
tab hearthrug. 

(Fred Fawthrop is standing in the doorway, pipe 
in mouth. He has on neither coat nor waistcoat. 
His sleeves are rolled up, and his shirt neck-band 
is turned back, exposing a muscular neck and throat, 
and something of a hairy chest. This is seen as 
he turns and enters the kitchen. He has a ruddy 
complexion, with a stubby ginger moustache, and 
yellow hair cut very short. This adds to his rather 
beefy appearance, and accentuates a certain air 
of stolidity, which is to some extent relieved by' the 
shrewd lines about the eyes, and the good-humoured 
but resolute mouth. As he comes in, he buttons his 
shirt at the neck, and puts on a . collar, which he 
takes from the toMe, and a waistcoat) 

Fred [calling). By Gow ! But it's 'ot, lass, 
this mornin'. There isn't a breath o' wind. 

Lizzie {from the yard at the back). Tha's left a 
nice mess i' this yard. 

Fred. Deng it ! I thought there was summat 
I'd- forgetten ! An' I've washed mysel' now. 

(PoRRiTT enters the lobby, looks in at the door, and 
glances round sharply as if in search of something. 
He is a little thick-set man, clean shaven, with puffy 
^^h-eeks and small, restless eyes.) 

"Lizzie {still in the yard) . I wish I could forget my 
work, an' someb'dy else do it for me. 

Fred. Here, hod on a minute. I'll clear up for 
tha, i' two twos. 

{He throws off the waistcoat again, and begins to un- 
button the collar. In the meantime, Porritt has 
come into the room, still looking about. His eyes 
rest on the bureau.) 



THE DEVIL'S STAR. 7 

PORRITT. Good morning, Mr. Fawthrop. Very 
hot to-day, isn't it ? 

Fred {turning, one end of his collar loose) . Mornin'. 
{He takes stock of Porritt deliberately.) Ye seem 
to know my name. 

Porritt {with a clevering laugh). Funny, isn't it ? 
I suppose you can't guess where you met me before ? 

Fred. I was just studyin'. I seem as if I sort 0' 
knew t' face, but 

Porritt {with rather offensive familiarity). Don't 
stir up the sawdust, old chap. If you don't want 
your name known, you shouldn't have it on the 
sign. I'll have a glass o' beer, please, and a bit o' 
bread and cheese. {He comes forward, and sits at 
the table by the window.) 

Fred {puzzled). Have it on t' sign ? {Smiling.) 
Aw, r see. I'd forgot about t^ sign. {He goes to 
draw the beer.) Ye'll find it a bit cooler i't' next room. 
We have to keep a fire in here, choose how hot it is. 

Porritt. Oh, I'm all right here. ... If I'm not 
in your way. 

Fred. Nay, ye'll none be i't' road. Just suit 
yoursel' an' ye'll suit me. {He brings a loaf and a 
cheese.) 

Porritt. You'll do a nice Httle trade here, I'll 
be bound. 

Fred. Nobbut middlin'. I fancy there'll be 
more i't' pigs an' pou'try nor i't' pub. But we 
haven't right sized it up yet — we've nobbut just 
comed. {He completes his toilet.) Don't ye belon|| 
to this part, then ? ^^^ 

Porritt. Not far off. {He looks round the Toom 
as he eats, and his eyes rest on the bureau.) That's a 
nice bit o' furniture you've got there. 

Fred. Which is that ? {He follows Porritt's 
look.) Aw, t' burrew ? - It's right enough for what 
it is. 

Porritt. May I look at it ? {Without waiting 
for a reply he gets up, and goes to examine it.) Um-m. 



8 THE DEVIL'S STAR. 

Dd you know, it quite takes my fancy. P'r'aps 
you wouldn't care to sell it ? 

Fred. Nay, I don't reckon to deal i' old furniter. 
If I selled it, I s'ould ha' to get another, an' I don't 
want to bother. 

PoRRiTT. Still, I suppose if it were worth your 

while {He appears to he excited, though doing 

his best to hide it.) Lid comes over, doesn't it, and 
makes a writing table ? {He lets down the lid, and 
begins trying the drawers.) 

Fred {sharply). Let them drawers alone ! 

PoRRiTT. Sorry, Fm sure. I wasn't thinking 
what I was doing. Well now, Mr. Fawthrop, how 
much would tempt you ? I just happen to be wanting 
something of the kind, and this has quite taken my 
fancy. What shall we say ? 

Fred {eyeing him with distaste and suspicion). I 
don't want to sell. 

PoRRiTT. Now, L won't stick at a pound or two. 

Fred {showing his temper). I don't want your 
brass. I shan't sell it. 

PoRRiTT. Well, don't lose your temper. 

Fred. Nay, I didn't mean to speak sharp, but 
when folk won't be telled 

PoRRiTT {with a constrained laugh). Well, I sup- 
pose I am a bit stupid. If a thing takes my fancy 
I can't rest till I've got it. - Now come, you could 
ea.sily get another that would answer your purpose 
just as well. 

Fred. So could you, if it comes to that. 

PoRRiTT. No, that's just the point. I take a 
fancy to a thing, and nothing else will do. Silly, 
I dare say, but it's the kind of man I am. You'll 
say I might get one made just like it ; but there'd 
be sure to be some little thing that wasn't quite . . . 
And it wouldn't have the mellowness, the — the . . . 
Come, now, be reasonable. I'll give you — Shall we 
say five pounds ? 

Fr:ed. No, I'm sure we shan't. 



THE DEVIL'S STAR. 9 

PORRITT. Well, fix a price, then. I don't want 
you to lose by it. P'r'aps you've paid nearly that. 
And there'll be the carriage, and one thing and 
another, and hunting up something to take it's 
place. 

Fred. It cost me thirty-five bob, if tha wants to 
know, 

PoRRiTT, By Jove, you got it cheap ! Well, 
add that to the five pounds, and the odd shillings 
for carriage. I'll give you seven pounds for it. 

Fred {turning away, and speaking with decision 
but complete good humour). It's no use, I shan't sell. 

PoRRiTT. Stop a minute, stop a minute. Don't 
be in such a hurry. Really, I don't see why — If 
I make it worth your while, what does it matter 
whether you have this bureau or another ? 

Fred (without attempting to disguise the mockery). 
Well, ye see, I've ta'en a fancy to 't, an' naught 
else '11 do. 

(Porritt stands leaning against the bureau in great 
agitation. He takes out a handkerchief and wipes 
the sweat from his forehead.) 

Porritt. Look here, I'll give you ten pounds for 
it, cash down. I've the notes in my pocket. 

Fred. I shan't sell. 

Porritt. Twelve. 

Fred {shaking his head, and turning). Is there 
aught else ye want, sir ? 

Porritt {taking out his purse, and paying for the 
beer). Then I can't tempt you ? 

Fred {taking the money). Thank you. No, I 
shan't sell. 

Porritt {going to the door very reluctantly). If 
you'd say what you'd take — I'll make it — {he 
pauses for effect) — I'll make it twenty pounds ! 

{Without answering, and apparently quite indifferent, 
Fred shakes his head and goes off towards the back 



10 THE DEVIL'S STAR. 

door. PoRRiTT, watching him, suddenly loses control 
of himself. His face becomes purple with rage. 
He shakes his fist at Fred, and goes off, cursing.) 

PoRRiTT. Damn you for a bloody stupid fool ! 

(Fred turns, and stands for a moment staring after 
him. He lifts his hand to his head, and scratches 
it thoughtfully. Then he walks over to the bureau, 
and inspects it, shaking his head slowly from side to 
side.) 

Fred. Well — I'll — go — to — sea ! {After a pause, 
calling.) Lizzie ! 

Lizzie {calling from the yard). I'm busy, what does 
ta want ? 

Fred. Come here wi' tha. It's summat special. 

(Lizzie comes in from Ihe yard. She is in working 
deshabille, wearing a coarse harden apron and a 
mob cap. She is younger than her husband, and 
much quicker in speech and movement. Her features, 
like her speech, are a little inclined to sharpness, but 
the effect of this is redeemed by the rotundities of a 
trim figure, and by a general air of serenity, born of 
confidence in herself. Her arms, ' mottled pink, are 
bare to the dimpled elbows. Fred's manner to her 
exhibits a combination of greedy affection and a 
teasing humour.) 

Lizzie. WeU ? 

Fred. Just thee take a good look at that there 
burrew. 

{He takes her by the shoulders and leads her towards 
it. She stoops quickly, eluding his grip.) 

Lizzie. Don't be silly, Fred-. I want to get done. 

Fred. There's naught silly about it, I'll tell tha. 
When I telled tha what Td gi'en for that there burrew, 
tha 5aid I'd more brass nor wit, didn't ta ? Has 
ta changed thy mind ? 

Lizzie {struck by his tone, seriously). Well, tha 



THE DEVIL'S STAR. 11 

knows, Fred, we haven't much aforehand if aught 
were to happen, an' thirty-five bob's thirty-five bob. 
S'pose tha was laid up for six month, as tha was 
afore, that there thirty-five bob 'ud come in handy. 

Fred {with relish). Aye. An' a bit more 'ud 
come in handier, wouldn't it ? How much does ta 
think Fve had bid for that there burrew ? 

Lizzie {eagerly). More nor tha gave ? 

Fred. Aye. A deal. 

Lizzie. Twice as much ? 

Fred. Guess again. 

Lizzie. Five pound ? 

Fred. Try doublin' it. 

Lizzie. I don't believe tha has. 

Fred. Has what ? 

Lizzie. Had ten pound bid for that thing. 

Fred. Fve had twenty pound bid for 't, lass. 

Lizzie. Twen-ty pound ! An' tha didn't take it ? 

Fred {with sharp decision). No. An' if he'd 
bid me twenty thousand I shouldn't ha' ta'en it. 

Lizzie. Whatever does ta mean, Fred ? 

Fred {explaining with much satisfaction in his own 
shrewdness). It's as plain as t' nose o' thy face, 'at 
if yon chap'llgi'e twenty pound for 't, it's worth 
more. He comes in here actin' t' gentleman, an' 
reckonin' to take a fancy to 't. Now, is there aught 
about that there burrew 'at a gentleman 'ud take a 
fancy to ? 

Lizzie. Well, I don't know, Fred. When I used 
to go to help at Mr. Ho rsf all's, I've heard 'em tell 
o' givin' a deal more nor that for old oak. 

Fred. Old oak be blowed ! JYon isn't old oak, 
not what they call old i't' furniteT line. An' there's 
no carvin' nor naught. 

Lizzie. Fred, didn't t' auctioneer say 'at it had 
come from Milbank Hall ? 

Fred. Aye, but I took no notice of him. They 
tell t' truth now an' again, does them chaps, but 
not o' purpose. But we'll talk about that at after. 



12 THE DEVIL'S STAR. 

Let me get on wi' rny tale. He comes swankin' 
in, an' he sa.j's, " Good mornin', Mr. Fawthrop." I 
sa3^-, " Ye seem to knov/ my name." " Aye," he 
sa^'s ; "if ye don't want folk to know your name, 
ye shouldn't jDut it- on t' sign." 

Lizzie. But it isnt o't' sign, Fred. Yon painter 
never turned up. 

Fred. I know. That's t' point. Now, how did 
yon chap know my name ? An' didn't know, mind 
ye, 'at we'd nobbut just comed to t' place? He's 
been to t'- auctioneer, has yon chap, after t' burrew, 
an' askin' who'd getten it. I left my name an' 
address wi't' clerk. Now then, this is t' point, 
sitha. If he'll^go to all that bother about a bit o' 
old furniter, it m.eans 'at he knows summat. An' 
if he'll gi'e twenty pound, it means 'at it's worth 
happen as much again, if we knew what he knows. 
An' Lm bahn to find out. As much again ! Why, 
t' chap was all of a twizzle'. If I'd led him on, he'd 
ha' offered — there's no tellin' how much. When he 
saw" it was no use, he was that put about, Jie could 
hardly ho'd hissel'. He started/ swearin' an' cursin' 
at me. 

Lizzie (eagerly). Have ye looked inside? 

Fred. No. It's just as it come. All I did was 
to" take t' drawers out, an' let t' lid down, to make 
sure 'at it was i' right fettle. There was naught 
inside 'at I seed, but if there v.'as it's there yet. 

(They begin to examine the bureati.) 

• Fred (suddenly draiving off). Gow ! Aw, I'd 
nearly forgot ! I've to see yon agent this mornin', 
an' I've missed one train, foolin' wi' yow chap. (Looks 
at his watch.) I've just time to catch t' ten fifty- 
two. I'll tell tha what — I'll call at t' auctioneer's 
while I'm i't' town, an' see if I can make aught out. 
An' then when I get back, we'll turn all t' drawers 
out, an' have a right look at it. 

Lizzie. An' what if j^on chap comes again ? 



THE DEVIL'S STAR. 13 

Fred. Tha mun put him off. {Takes his hat 
from a peg behind the door.) 

Lizzie. Well, get back as sharp as tha can, then. 
I'll ha' t' dinner ready for a bit afore one, that'll 
gi'e tha time, won't it ? 

Fred. Aye, I can manage by then. Well, take 
care o' thysel'. If I thought he'd come again I 
wouldn't go. Happen he'd turn awk'ard if tha 
were by thysel'. I'd sooner lose twenty pound nor 
thee, tha knows, lass. [Fondling^ her.) 

Lizzie. Go on wi' tha. I know how to deal wi' 
men. 

Fred {witli admiration, hut not without a suspicion 
of distrust.) Tha does, lass. Well, bye-bye. 

Lizzie. Pip-ip. Don't be late for t' dinner. 

{He goes out. She follows him to the door, and stands 
awhile looking after him. A carter enters the fitrther 
room, and she serves him at the bar. This done, she 
goes to the bureau, opens the lid, and begins carefully 
to examine the interior.) 

(Curtain.) 

{The second action opens at one o'clock. Lizzie is 
laying tJte table for dinner. She is evidently very 
much excited, and runs to the door at frequent inter- 
vals to look down the road. Potatoes are steaming 
above the stew in a double-decke-r pan on the fire. In 
her excitement she takes a tureen from the dresser, 
and runs to the door with it in her hand.) 

Lizzie {half aloud). Nay, I must be going dotty. 

(\Vhen all had been prepared for dishing the meal, 
she again goes to the door, sees Fred coming up 
the road, and has the meal served as he comes in, 
panting and mopping his face.) 

Lizzie {speaking as soon as he comes in). Well, has 
ta fun' aught out ? 



U THE DEVIL'S STAR 

Fred. Nay, let a chap get his breath. By Gow, 
that swells grand ! (He takes his hat and coat off, 
and sits to the table.) It's right 'at it came from 
Milbank. 

Lizzie. Did ta ask him ? 

Fred. Fd no 'casion. Fd no sooner got into 
t' shop nor he says, " Aw, Mr. Fawthrop," he says, 
" ye mind that burrew I selled ye ? Fve had two 
chaps wantin' it, an' wouldn't be satisfied till I 
telled 'em who'd gotten it." " Aw," I says, *,' is 
there summat special about it, like ? " " Well," he 
says, "I reckon it'll be 'cause it belonged to Lord 
Milbank." It seems he was a what's-ta-call-it — 
one o' them 'at collects things. An' half luny, an' all. 

Lizzie. Why, tha knew that, Fred. There's all 
sorts o' tales about him. 

Fred. / take no notice o' thy tales. But he 
sa^'s, does t' auctioneer, 'at if it gets out 'at a thing 
belonged to a connysewer they can get any price 
for it, very near. " I was surprised that went so 
cheap," he says, " but ye '11 have them two chaps to 
see ye, an' I think I ought to have a bit o' commis- 
sion," he says. I didn't let on 'at one of 'em had 

been. 

^^ 

(Lizzie remains silent, and Fred realizes that this is 

unusual.) 

Fred. Has yon chap been again ? 

Lizzie (half under her breath) . No . 

Fred (looking at her anxiously), Lizzie, what's up ? 
What — why doesn't ta speak ? 

"Lizzie (unable to hide her excitement). Get thy 
dinner, an' I'll tell tha at after. 

Fred (looks round at the bureau, then at Lizzie, then 
puts down his knife and fork). I won't eat another 
bite till tha tells me what's t' matter wi' tha. 

Lizzie (breathless). There's another man been. 
A right swell. Happen twenty-five or so, an' right 
nice-lookin'. An' tha should ha' seen t' way he went 



THE DEVIL'S STAR. 16 

on, like— same as if I were t' duchess, an' he were t' 
footman. 

Fred {rallying her) . I can see I 'd better ha' stopped 
at home. 

Lizzie {colouring). Tha knows there's nob'dy 
but thee, Fred. If tha art a gert, awk'ard, clumsy, 
blunderin', nincumpump. {The last sentence is added 
as she recovers from her momentary confusion, with the 
realization that Fred must be put in his place.) 

Fred. All right, go on wi' thy tale. 

Lizzie. Well, he comed in an' asked if tha were 
in, an' I said tha'd be back for t' dinner at one, 
an' {She hesitates.) 

Fred. Well ? Go on. Did he bid tha aught 
for it ? 

(Lizzie nods.) 

Fred. How much ? 

Lizzie {in a half hysterical whisper) . Fifty pound ! 

(Fred lays down his knife and fork, pushes hack his 
chair, turning it over in the act, and goes to the 
bureau. Lizzie follows him.) 

Fred. What did ta say ? 

Lizzie. I said I couldn't say naught, he'd better 
see thee. An' he said he'd call again about two. 

Fred {looking at his watch). An' it's half-past 
one now. 

(Fred begins a thorough examination of the bureau, 
Lizzie assisting him. She is so excited that she 
cannot keep still, and her hands tremble as she pulls 
out the drawers one by one. Several times she essays 
to speak, but checks herself. They take out all the 
drawers, and turn them upside- down on the floor. 
Then they let down the lid of the desk.) 

Fred. There'll be one o' them secret drawers, 
I'll bet. 



16 THE DEVIL'S STAR. 

{He tries the partitions, knocking to see if they sound 
hollow, and pulling and prodding without result.) 

Lizzie {speaking as if the words were forced out of 
her). There's a bit — o' room — to spare at t' back. 
But let's get our dinners an' then 

Fred. I'll get to t' bottom o' this afore I do 
aught else. What was ta sajdn' ? Where ? 

Lizzie. Let me try. 

(Fred stands aside, and she feels inside the desk. There 
is a sharp click.) 

Fred. That's it ! We've fun' it. {He pulls out 
a small drawer.) Damn ! It's em'ty ! 

Lizzie {turning away to hide her confusion) . P'r'aps 
someb'dy's fun' it afore us, 

(Fred, without answering or noticing her, goes off at 
the back.) 

Lizzie. What are ta bahn to do ? 

Fred {returning with a hatchet). I'm bahn to 
smash t' damned thing up. 

Lizzie. What for ? Nay, Fred ! An' we've fifty 
pound offered for it ! 

Fred. If there's aught in it, I'll find it, an' afore 
yon chap comes. If there isn't, I'll swin'le nob'dy 
wi' 't. 

Lizzie. What does ta mean wi' thy swin'le ? 
It isn't swin'lin' when ye nobbut take what folk 
offers. 

Fred. I'm bahn to smash it up, I tell tha. 

{He raises the hatchet ; she holds his arm.) 

Fred. Now, it's no use, Lizzie. I'm bahn to 
smash it up. Get out o't' way. . 

Lizzie {resigned). Well, ye must take it out at 
t' back, then. I won't ha'' t' mess of it here. I 
never seed such a stupid chap as tha art. 

Fred. Well, get ho'd an' we'll lift it out, then. 



THE ©EVIL'S STAR. 17 

{She helps him to carry the bureau and the drawers 
out at the back.) 

Fred. Ho'd on. It'll do there. If we take it 
right out in t' yard, an' aught rolls out, it might 
pop down t' grate. {With recovered good-humour.) 
Now, I'll clear up t' mess, lass. 

Lizzie {returning to her dinner). Aye, that's what 
tha says. But when it comes to doin', tha's a train 
to catch. 

Fred {calling from the back, in the intervals of 
chopping). Did ta see that bit i't' paper {chop) 
about a chap 'at took t' hatchet to t' wife {chop)- 
'cause she were al'ays naggin' ? {chop). They 
brought it in {chop) justi(c/i6»^)fiable {chop) homicide. 
Tha wants to mind how tha talks to t' man wi't' 
hatchet. 

Lizzie. Fred, I wish tha'd come an' finish thy 
dinner first. 

Fred. I'll finish this afore I finish aught else. 

Lizzie. Well, but tha knows tha can't eat cold 
stew. 

Fred. I care naught about it. 

Lizzie. Will ta have a cup o' tea when tha's 
done ? 

Fred {chaffing her). Aye, thee make a cup o' tea, 
lass. It'll be a nice excuse for tha. 

Lizzie. Softhead ! 

{The chopping goes on. 'Lizzie clears the table, puts 
the kettle on, and lays the table again for tea. While 
she is so engaged, Porritt comes in. He appears 
to have been running, and is sweating profusely.) 

Porritt. 'Afternoon. Mr. Fawthrop in ? 
Lizzie. Fred ! You're wanted. 

(Fred drops the hatchet with a growl, and comes 
forward.) 

Porritt. 'Afternoon, Mr. Fawthrop. {He pulls ou^ 



18 THE DEVIL'S STAR. 

his watch.) You haven't sold it, have you ? {Looking 
round for the bureau.) 

Fred. No, I haven't selled it, but — 

Lizzie {interrupting). We've had fifty pound bid 
for it. 

PoRRiTT. Fifty pounds ? It's a lot o' money 
for an old bureau. And it didn't tempt you ? 
(Fred shakes his head.) Well, I'm in great haste. 
I've no time for haggling. I'll give you seventy-five. 
Cash down. Take it or leave it. . 

Fred {slowly scratching his head). It's a sight o' 
brass. I wouldn't like to sell ye 't, an' ye to rue it 
at after. Happen ye'd like to have a right look at it 
afore 

PoRRiTT {cutting him short). My good man, I've 
seen all I want to see, and I've no time to waste. 
Seventy-five pounds. Take it or leave it. {Pulling 
out his watch again.) I'll give you twenty seconds 
to decide. 

{While PoRRiTT is speaking, Lord Milbank comes 
in. He is a fin^, athletic-looking young man, tall 
and dark, clean-shaven, with aquiline features. 
His manner is easy, confident, and rather languid, 
and he speaks with a slight drawl. He is wearing a 
light grey tweed walking- suit.) 

Fred {quietly). All right. I'll take it. 

Milbank {cheerily). Good morning, Mrs. Faw- 
throp. 

PoRRiTT {half -audibly). Damn and blast the 

{He controls himself with an effort.) \ 

Milbank. Ha, Porritt ! Then I suppose I'm 
too late. Am I intruding ? 

Fred {to Lizzie). Is this t' fifty pound man ? 

Lizzie {to Fred). Aye. {To Milbank.) Good 
afternoon, sir. Won't you sit down ? {She goes to 
the easy chair near the fire, gives the loose cushion, 
which is rather tumbled, an expert shake of adjustment,. 



THE DEVIL'S STAR. fO 

and indicates it to him. He hows, smiling, hut remains 
standing.) ■' 

Fred. Well, sir, ye're too late or not, as it lights 
to turn out. This gentleman's just bid me seventy- 
five, an' I've said I'd take it. He seems i' a bit of a 
hurry, or else 

PoRRiTT. Too late, my lord. It's mine. Now, 
Mr. Fawthrop, I've got a cart at the door. Let's 
finish the business, please. If you'll show me where 
it is, I'll pay you the money, and then we can 

Fred {pointing out at the hack, and standing aside 
to give PoRRiTT a clear view). It's there, sitha ! 

{There is a moment's pause, in which Porritt realizes 
the situation.) 

Porritt. You damned swindler ! Where's the 
diamond ? 

{He darts forward, and begins to rummage among the 
chips. MiLBANK, who has heen watching the 
proceedings with an air of easy nonchalance, becomes 
suddenly alert. He springs after Porritt, seizes 
him hy the collar, and' jerks him hack into the middle 
of the room.) 

MiLBANK. Hands up ! Spread your fingers out ! 
(Porritt struggles, hut obeys.) Now, you stand over 
there. {Pushes him towards the window.) 

Porritt. You've got nothing to do with it. 
Damned interfering ! You get out ! 

MiLBANK {with his usual easy drawl). What do 
you say, Mr. Fawthrop ? Must I get out, or may I 
stay for the kill ? I don't want to interfere. 

Fred. Stay an' welcome. I want naught but 
fair play. 

Porritt. Fair play ! It's a put up job between 
you. Where's the diamond ? 

Fred. Now, look here. I'm about sick o' this. 
Tha comes in here, wantin' to buy yon burrew. I 
telled tha what I'd gi'en for it — thirty-five bob. 



20 THE DEVIL'S STAR. 

Tha bid twenty pound for it, an' I wouldn't take it. 
This gentleman bid me fifty — isn't that so ? (To 

MiLBANK.) 

MiLBANK. Quite right, Mr. Fawthrop. 

Fred. Was there aught said about any diamonds ? 

MiLBANK. Not a word. 

Fred. Nor I've heard naught about any. Tha 
comes in again. I telled tha — at least, Lizzie did — 
'at we'd had fifty pound bid for it, an' tha bid seventy- 
five. I telled tha it was a sight o' brass, an' tha'd 
better take a right look at it first, an' tha said tha 
hadn't time. Now, there's nob'dy wants to swindle 
tha. I won't ho'd tha to thy bargain. If tha wants 
it, it's there. I'll gi'e tha twenty seconds to decide. 

[He pulls out his imich, with a ludicrous exaggerated 
imitation o/Porritt's manner.) 

MiLBANK {to "Lizzie, pulling out his cigar-case). 
You don't mind my smoking, Mrs. Fawthrop ? 

Lizzie {flurried and flattered). Not at all, your 
lordship. 

MiLBANK {handing Jiis case). Will you have a 
cigar, Mr. Fawthrop ? I think you'll like them. 

Fred {taking one). Thank j-ow, sir. 

Lizzie {whispering to Fred). It's " my lord." 

PoRRiTT {in a state of great excitement)^ Will you 
give me your word that you haven't taken anything 
out 

MiLBANK. If you'll take my, advice, Mr. Fawthrop 
— don't. And if it will fortify j^our resolution at all, 
I'll give 3'ou se vent}'- five for the heap of chips as it 
stands. I .don't want to come in edgewa^-^s, you 
know. It's Porritt's bargain. But if he^cries off, 
I'm on. 

PoRRiTT {sneering). Oh \'es, we're sportsmen, 

aren't me ? x\nd while I'm getting the cart round, 

who's going to watch the pile ? What's to prevent 

any of you from getting it while my back's turned ? 

~ Fred. What sort of a cart have you ? If it's 



THE DEVIL'S STAR. 21 

a horse an' cart, Lizzie here'll lead it round to t' back 
door for ye, an' ye can lift t' stuff on yoursel', bit 
by bit, as ye like, an' there'll nob'dy interfere wi' 
ye. Now, is it on or off ? 'Cause t' time's up, an' 
I've gi'en tha a deal longer nor we said. 

(PoRRiTT looks with suspicion from one to another. 
Lizzie turns away, and busies herself with the 
tea-things.) 

PoRRiTT. If Mrs. Fawthrop'll say that she hasn't 



MiLBANK. Porritt, you're incorrigible. Where the 
devil did you learn the game, man ? You can't put 
your money on when the ball's stopped rolling. 

Lizzie. If he wants me to say 

MiLBANK. Now, please, Mrs. Fawthrop. 

Fred. Lizzie, shut up wi'- tha. {Consults his 
watch again.) Time's up, Mr. Porritt. 

Porritt [in desperation, before Fred has finished 
speaking). It's on ! 

Fred {to Milbank). How's that, umpire ? 

MiLBANK. Really, it's for you to decide, Mr. 
Fawthrop. I'll be glad to step in, if you rule Porritt 
out, but I want to be fair. 

Fred {to Porritt). Well, now then. It^ on, if 
tha likes. Take him t' cart round, Lizzie, lass. 

(Lizzie goes out at the front, and is presently heard 
bringing up the cart at the back. Meanwhile Porritt 
advances to the table, and pulls out a leather pocket- 
book. His hands tremble so that he has difficulty in 
counting otit the notes. He clutches them, und 
rushes off to guard his property, when he hears 
Lizzie at the back door. Milbank keeps an alert 
watch on his movements. When Lizzie has come 
in, the purchase is completed, and Fred gives a 
receipt for the money.) 

Fred. Thank you. Now, ye can do what ye like 
wi' 't. An' I hope ye find summat. 



22 THE DEVIL'S STAR. 

(PoRRiTT goes off at the hack without reply, and during 
what follows he can he heard occasionally, loading 
his cart with the fragments of the hureau.) 

MiLBANK (seating himself at the tahle). Well, 
I suppose you're just dying of curiosity, aren't you, 
Mrs. Eawthrop ? 

Lizzie. Well, I should like to know — {with sud- 
den suspicion) — Fred, d'you think them notes'll be 
all right ? 

MiLBANK {laughing) . Oh, I say ! What a busi- 
ness woman ! I beg your pardon, Mrs. Fawthrop, 
but really, you know, you've done rather well out 
of it. 

Lizzie (seriously). That's just it. 

MiLBANK. Oh, thank you ! Then I suppose I 
should have been suspected, too ? 

Lizzie. I didn't mean that, my Lord, but you 
see 

Fred. Askin' your pardon, sir, but we don't 
know who are are, nor Mr. Porritt neither. 

MiLBANK. No, of course you don't. I suppose | 
that's why you haven't asked me to have a cup of 
tea with you, Mrs. Fawthrop ? 

Lizzie (fluttered). If you'd like a cup, my lord 

MiLBANK. It makes things easier — doesn't it ? 
— when you sit round a table to talk. 
(Lizzie makes the tea, and they all sit at the tahle.) 

MiLBANK. I dare say you'll have heard of old 
Lord Milbank ? 

Fred. Him 'at died a bit sin' ? They said he was 
wrong in his head, didn't they ? 

MiLBANK. He was my father. 

Lizzie (in shocked protest). Fred ! (Whispering.) 
Tha 'might ha' guessed that, gawmless ! 

Fred. Aw, I'm sorry. I didn't 

MiLBANK. Not at all. They did say so. But 
now, what does it mean, Mrs. Fawthrop ? If it 
means " gawmless " (with a mischievous glance at 



THE DEVIL'S STAR. 23 

Fred) I never knew a man less so than my father. 
But. if it means that he did all kinds of outrageous 
things that nobody else would ever dream of doing 
— he did. He was a great deal misunderstood, but 
it was all his own fault. Lots of people believed that 
he had a harem up at the hall — I dare say you'll 
have heard that, too. 

Lizzie (colouring) . I've heard 'at he was a bad man . 

MiLBANK. Yes, just so. His own sister believed 
it. She wouldn't come to visit him. She's rather 
strait-laced, my aunt Miriam. Well, there wasn't 
the least bit of foundation for that story. 

Lizzie. People 'at sets them tales about, I wish 
they had what I'd give 'em. (Indignantly.) An' 
his own sister ! 

MiLBANK. Yes, but she didn't set it about, you 
know. I fancy he contrived somehow to do that 
himself. Anyhow, he liked it. He said it kept off 
the fools. 

Fred (anxious to get to the point). He was a 
connysewer, wasn't he ? 

MiLBANK. He had that reputation too. In 
jewels, chiefly. He had a strong-room built in the 
library, and we used to have burglar alarms about 
once a week. The old chap would come down in his 
dressing-gown, call all the servants up to search the 
house, and unlock the strong-room, and go through 
all the packages to see that nothing was missing. 
Then everybody went back to bed again. My 
father had a queer little chuckling laugh, like this — 
" He-he-he-ck ! " — with a catch at the end. I can't 
imitate it properly — it was a beastly sort of noise. 
And when he'd had us all up in the middle of the 
night, searching the cellars and corridors, and he'd 
counted up the packages and made all the fuss he 
could, he'd toddle off to bed again, cackling. . . , 
What delicious pastry this is, Mrs. Fawthrop — but 
of course you'll make it yourself. 

Lizzie (highly flattered). It isn't up to t' usual 



24 THE DEVIL'S STAR. 

this week, my lord, but if you like it there's plenty 
more i't' cellar. 

MiLBANK {helping himself). Delicious ! . . . We 
were rather disappointed with those jewels. There 
was an inventory attached to the will, and they were 
all there, but when I had them valued — ^well, they 
were not worth anything like what I expected. They 
were all there but one ; and that was the famous one. 
It was a blue diamond that my father had brought 
from India when he was a young man. 

Lizzie. Is it ? 

MiLBANK. Yes. 

Fred {whispering, with a nod towards Porritt). 
Hadn't ye better speak a bit lower ? 

MiLBANK. Oh, he knows all about it. That's 
why he's here. He was our butler. Well, the will 
was the queerest thing you ever heard of. The 
estate came to me, of course — it was entailed. And 
my mother's money — he had only a Hfe interest in 
that. But the rest was scattered about in thousands 
for all sorts of wrong-headed schemes. Ten thousand 
pounds is to be spent in experiments in growing the 
opium poppy under glass. 

Fred. I think folk weren't far out i' what they 
said. Couldn't ye upset it ? 

MiLBANK. The will? I don't think so. I 
wouldn't if I could. You see, it's exactly the sort 
of will I should have expected him to make. He 
gave his reasons, you know. " Being of opinion 
that the cultivation of the opium poppy damns the 
souls of those who engage in it, I desire, for the credit 
of the English name, that we should rather undertake 
our own damnation than that of our Indian fellow- 
subjects." He-he-he-ck ! The cackle wasn't put 
down in black and white, but it was there. I wake 
up in the night sometimes, and think I hear it. 
(Lizzie shivers.) Rather horrible, isn't it ? But — 
well, the old guv. was always a trump to me, and his 
money shaU be wasted as he wanted it to be. 



THE DEVIL'S STAR. 25 

Fred {scandalized at the " waste o' brass " which 
this involves). I'd upset that will, if it were me. 

MiLBANK. Yes, but he wasn't your father. 
However, to come back to the diamond. There was 
a codicil about it, dated a few days before his death. 
Porritt witnessed that codicil. It read like this: 
" My intentions respecting the jewel known as the 
Devil's Star, together with the secret of its where- 
abouts, will be found in a sealed envelope deposited 
with my solicitors, Messrs. Sharp & Pluckett. It 
is. my will that the envelope shall be opened on the 
day six calendar months after my death, or if that 
day be a Sunday, then upon the next following day." 
He-he-he-ck. Well, of course, we were all agog last 
Tuesday when the envelope was to be opened. We 
had a family meeting in the library, we locked the 
door, but when we were half-way through I remem- 
bered Porritt. We'd had trouble with Porritt before. 
There he was at the key-hole, and I sacked him on 
the spot. Well, old Pluckett broke the seal, and 
read the thing out. " The blue diamond known as 
the Devil's Star will be found in the secret drawer 
of the oak bureau, which stands at the end of the 
first floor corridor in the left wing of Milbank Hall. I 
bequeath it to the first finder, and much good may 
it do him." You don't believe it, I suppose, but 
when old Pluckett had finished reading I heard the 
pater's " He-he-he-ck " as plainly as ever I heard 
anything. 

Fred. An' yon's t' burrew ? 

Milbank. That's it. We cleared it out along 
with a lot of other old rubbish only a fortnight ago. 

Fred. Was there a blue diamond ? Happen it 
was all a cod. 

Milbank. Oh yes, there was one. I've seen it 
many a time. My father used to bring it out to 
show people as a special favour. He'd make them 
stand at the far side oi the room, and then he'd 
open the case and let them see. He quarrelled with 



26 THE DEVIL'S STAR. 

old Pelmanby — the Marquis, you know — because he 
wouldn't let him take it in his hands. Pelmanby 
said it was an insult, and the governor laughed in 
his face. " Pelmanby," he said — I was in the room 
at the time — " better men than you have sold their 
souls for this little trinket. There's blood on it, man. 
I wouldn't be alone in the room with you now for all 
the jewels in creation." Pelmanby went black in 
the face with passion. " Frank," says the guv., 
" ring the bell — quick — he'll murder me for it. He- 
he-he-ck." And Pelmanby strode out of the house 
in a fury. " He-he-he-ck ! " It's queer. I thought 
I heard it now. 

Lizzie. Oh-h ! 

MiLBANK. I hope I haven't frightened you, Mrs. 
Fawthrop. It does get on one's nerves. 

Fred. Well, my lord, I don't mind telling you 
'at I found a secret drawer in that burrew, but there 
was naught in it. 

MiLBANK. Oh, I daresay. The usual thing, in the 
desk at the top ? 

Fred. Aye. 

MiLBANK. And when you were chopping it up ? 

Fred. I was at it when he came in. I don't 
think there's room for any more drawers i' what I 
left, but I wouldn't swear to it. 

MiLBANK. Well, you may be right, but I knew 
my father pretty well, and I think the joke would 
have been too simple for him at that. . It's my 
opinion that somewhere among those chips that 
Porritt is messing about with now is the Devil's 
Star. As long as there's a piece of wood left big 
enough to hold' it, there's a chance. Porritt will 
find it if it is there ; and I tell you candidly if I 
knew for certain that he hadn't found it yet, I'd 
give him five hundred for the chips as they stand. 

Fred. By Gow ! Then it'll be worth happen a 
thousand ? 

MiLBANK. It's worth — anything. There isn't 



THE DEVIL'S STAR. 27 

another. A thousand's nothing in the price of a 
tiling like that. 

(Lizzie gets up, her face very pale, and goes to the- 
fireplace. The others also rise, and stand looking 
off to where Porritt is still busy among the chips.) 

Fred {whispering). He doesn't look as if he'd 
fun' aught. 
MiLBANK. He wouldn't. The sulkier he looks 

(MiLBANK stops Speaking as Porritt comes forward 
smiling.) 

Porritt. Well, good afternoon, Mrs. Fawthrop. 
Good afternoon, gentlemen. 
The Three. Good afternoon. 

(Porritt goes out at the hack, and is heard leading 
away the cart.) 

MiLBANK. Now I wonder if he has found it. 
"Lizzie {as if the words were forced out of her), I 
wonder. 

(Curtain.) 

{The third action opens the same evening, at a few 
minutes before closing time. The voUbes of exhilar- 
ated men are heard from the bar parlour. Lizzie 
is busy at the bar, washing up glasses, by the light 
of a small hand-lamp placed on one of the shelves 
in the recess. A larger and more ornate reading 
lamp stands on the centre table in the kitchen. The 
heavy red curtains are drawn before the window, and 
Porritt, who enters stealthily by the front door, 
is easily able to conceal himself completely in the 
recess made by the curve of the window.) 

Fred {within). Na, chaps. It's just on ten. 

{He comes out of the bar parlour, and stands in the entry'' 
looking out. The men file out slowly, talking as 
they go.).- 



28 THE DEVIL'S STAR. 

Fred. Aye, I fancy we s'e have it fine for a bit. 

A Man. Has ta heard about 6ill ? He's backed 
three winners. 

Fred. Tha never says? Some folk has all t' 
luck. Good-night, lad. Good-night, chaps. 

{The church clock is heard to strike ten. The last of 
the men go out, and Fred locks and holts the door. 
He comes into the room, stretching himself and 
yawning. He takes a pipe from the mantelpiece, 
fills and lights it, and sits down at the fireside, drawing 
his chair well back, though the fire has almost died 
out.) 

Fred, Have I to come an' dry for tha, lass ? 
Lizzie. I've just finished. 

Fred. Come an' sit tha down then, a bit. 
Lizzie. In a minute. 

{She turns out the little lamp, and draws the curtains 
before the bar. Then she moves about aimlessly, 
glancing furtively at Fred. He sits quite still, 
staring into the dying fire. She comes up behind 
him, and puts her hands on his shoulders, coaxing.) 

Lizzie. Fre-ed. 

Fred {with an air of guarded serenity). Well? 

Lizzie. Will ta promise not to be vexed if I tell 
tha summat ? 

Fred. It depends what it is. 

Lizzie. I daresn't tell tha if tha doesn't promise. 

Fred {his jealousy aroused). Is it about yond 
young swankie ? 

Lizzie. Tha great softhead ! 

{Standing behind his chair, she takes his face in her 
hands, and turning it i:^'.:.:' .'., L[.::z his forehead, 
his cheeks, his lips, and, with a low laugh, half- 
loving, half-teasing, the end of his nose. He pulls 
her round on to his knee.) 

Fred. Well, what is it then ? 



THE DEVIL'S STAR. 29 

Lizzie. Fred— I {She cannot go on.) 

Fred. Tha what ? 

{She stands up and stands by the fire, agitated.) 

Fred. Lizzie, whatever's up wi' tha ? Tha's 
been queer all t' day. 

Lizzie. Fred, it's — it's yon diamond. 

Fred. Nay, Lizzie, I thought tha had more 
sense. 

Lizzie. Fred, if we'd fun' it, it 'ud be ours, 
wouldn't it ? I mean by t' law ? 

Fred. What's t' use o' talkin' about that ? 
I don't believe there is a diamond. 

Lizzie. Well, but if ? 

Fred. Aye, I reckon it would. Whatever are ta 
gettin' at ? 

Lizzie {dry-lipped). Fred, Lve fun' it. It's under 
t' pot dog. 

(pRED jumps out of his chair, lifts up the china dog on 
the mantelpiece, and takes out a packet.) 

Lizzie. I fun' it i' t' secret drawer while tha were 
out, an' I didn't tell tha 'cause 

Fred {opening the packet). 'Cause what ? 

Lizzie. I were 'fraid of tha sayin' it didn't belong 
to us, or tellin' them chaps 'at we'd fun' it. I was 
going to sell it first, an' — but Isn't it a beauty ? 

(Fred has opened the packet, and is holding the jewel 
between his finger and thumb.) 

Fred. It is that. By gum, Lizzie, tha'rt a 
deep 'un. {His tone is of grudging admiration, with a 
shade of mistrust.) An' tha had it there all t' time, 
an' tha let me take yon chap's brass for a bundle o' 
chips ! 

Lizzie. He didn't, Fred. He paid for t' chance. 
An' I thought, if there were aught wrong about t' 
diamond, t' brass 'ud come in. 

F'red. Well, I'm not going to give him his brass 



30 THE DEVIL'S STAR. 

back. Not to yond. But I shan't keep it. I'll 
send it back to t' infirmary. All but for t' thirty- 
five bob 'at I paid for t' burrew. 

Lizzie. Well, I reckon tha'll do as tha likes, 
whatever I say. But t' diamond's ours. 

Ered. It's thine, lass. 

Lizzie {catching her breath). What does ta mean, 
Fred? 

Fred [reading). " I bequeath it to the first 
finder." 

Lizzie. Fred, tha doesn't think I meant to keep 
it from tha ? Tha doesn't think — (sobbing) — Fred, 
it's thine ! Fred, Fred, if it were worth a million 
I'd throw it i' t' navvy afore it should come between 
me an' thee. {She breaks down completely.) 

Fred {touched). Lass, tha's getten a fool for a 
husband. {Kissing her.) Hush then. 'Course it 
won't come between us. Tha shall be t' grand lady 
afore folk, but tha'll be t' same old Lizzie when we're 
by wersel's. Don't take on, lass. I were nobbut 
a bit vexed at tha hiddin' it an' sayin' naught. {He 
consoles her to good purpose.) 

Lizzie {after a pause). Fred, what shall We do 
wi' 't for t'-night ? Had we better take it upstairs 
wi' us? 

Fred. It'll be safest where it was. There's 
nob'dy knows we've got it, an' if they did, t' last 
place they'd look for it 'ud be under t' pot dog. 

{He straightens out the wrapper on the table, and folds 
it carefully over the diamond. Lizzie stands with 
her hand on his shoulder.) 

Lizzie. " And much good may it do him." Fred, 
it sounds like a curse. {She shivers.) 

Fred. Never thee mind about that, lass. We'll 
find someb'dy 'at likes them sort o' curses, and we'll 
sell 'em it. When tha gets t' brass tha'll find a 
way o' dealing wi' 't, I'll be bound for tha. 

{He replaces the package under the pot dog.) 



THE DEVIL'S STAR. 31 

Lizzie. Fred, we'Ube right rich. 

Fred. Aye. Tha ought to ha' wed a swell, 
Lizzie. An' tha could ha' done if tha hadn't been a 
fool. What will ta do wi' me now, like ? Tha '11 
wish many a time 'at thy awk'ard gawmless husband 
were out o' t' way. 

(His tone is jocular, but with a .touch of anxiety. 
Lizzie detects that note.) 

Lizzie. So that was it ! That was what tha 
were thinking ! Fred, we'll live just how tha likes 
an' where tha likes. But if tha'rt ta'en badly as 
tha was afore, tha won't ha' to go to t' infirmary 
an' happen die i' t' workhouse at t' finish. 

Fred {unsteadily at first). I'm not bahn to be ta'en 
badly, lass. I'm bahn to try t' rest cure. What 
does ta say to a trip on t' Mediterranean ? We never 
had a right honeymoon to start wi', tha knows. 
We can ha' one now. 

Lizzie. Fred, I'll never keep aught from tha 
again, not a minute. I fair ached to tell tha whjen 
tha started choppin' it up. 

Fred. It's happen as well tha didn't. 

Lizzie. Oh, Fred ! Then it's all right ?. 

Fred. Aye, lass. Let's go to bed. 

{He takes a candle from the mantelpiece, and lights it.) 

Lizzie. I don't feel as if it was safe, leaving it 
there. 

Fred {teasing). Some folk swallows 'em. What 
says ta ? It's t' safest way. 

Lizzie. Go on wi' tha! Softhead! 

{She turns the light out, and they go upstairs, For a 
little while the room is in complete darkness, except 
for a very faint glow from the dying fire. Then a 
shaft of moonlight streams in, as Porritt opens the 
curtains and comes out from his hiding place. He 
steals softly towards ■ the mantelpiece, watching the 
stairway door ; that is why he stumbles against a 



32 THE DEVIL'S STAR. 

chair, and in trying to right it overturns it upon the 
fender with a loud crash. He rights it at once, and 
then steps swiftly hack a pace or two, and stands 
perfectly still. There is a moment's silence: He 
then steps cautiously forward again, reaches the 
mantelpiece, and is seen to fumble there awhile. 
The stairs creak. - He runs to the door, hut finding 
the holts too stiff to he at once opened, darts hack to his 
hiding-place and draws the curtains, shutting out 
the light. Fred comes in from the stairs, and 
peers ahout. He is in shirt and trousers.) 

"Lizzie [from the stairs) . Is there aught ? 
Fred. I can't see naught. 

{He strikes a match. Porritt opens the curtains 
slightly. He is holding a pistol.) 

Porritt. I have you covered. If you move I 
fire. I only want to get away quietly. 

Lizzie {screaming as she rushes into the room). 
Help ! Murder ! Police ! Fire ! 

{The match goes out. Fred suddenly dashes forward, 
head down, and seizes Porritt. The pistol goes 
off. They roll on the floor.) 

Fred. Get a light, Lizzie, quick. 

(Lizzie lights a candle, hut while she is doing so 
Porritt frees himself, leaving his coat in Fred's 
hands, and rushes to the hack door, which he opens. 
He goes out. Lizzie runs to Fred, who gets up, 
looking a little dazed, and ruhhing the hack of his 
head.) 

Lizzie, Are ye much hurt ? 

Fred. He copt me a nasty crack over t' head wi' 
t' pistol, but it's naught. It just stunned me for 
t' minute, an' then he was off. 

Lizzie. Has he got it ? 

Fred. Not he. 

Lizzie. Have you looked ? 



THE DEVIL'S STAR. 33 

(She runs to the mantelpiece, and lifts up the china 
dog.) 

Lizzie. It's gone ! 

(Fred, with a curse, runs to the door. The curtain 
falls as he is fumbling with the lock.) 

(Curtain.) 

{The fourth action begins about eleven o'clock on Sunday 
morning. Some Sabbath changes have been made 
in the appearance of the kitchen. The steel fender 
has. been replaced by a gorgeous affair in black and 
bronze, with elaborate fittings, and even the oven 
door has been changed for a more resplendent one, 
with silver-plated hinges and latch. There is a 
crimson hearth-rug, made of worsted healds, and 
the Sabbath table-cloths are of embossed plush. Fred 
is sitting alone at the fireside, reading a Sunday 
paper. There is a loud knocking at the front door. 
Fred goes to open it, and ushers in Lord Milbank.) 

MiLBANK {speaking as they come in). I got the 
note you left, of course. Sorry you missed me. I 
was away all day — didn't get home till after midnight. 
Motoring. Lucky I didn't make it a week-end. 

{He sits on the settle. Fred resumes his chair.) 

Fred. Well, I thought happen ye'd know where 
to find him. 

Milbank. Oh yes, there'll be no difficulty about 
that. 

Fred. Well, now then. We'd best be movin'. 
{He gets up.) 

Milbank. Don't be so damned energetic, man. 
There's no hurry. And Lve come more than six 
miles. I've a legal claim to reasonable refreshment. 

(Fred gives an impatient growl.) 

Milbank. It's all right. I know where he is. 



34 THE DEVIL'S STAR. 

Now, if you'll talk this thing over quietly, Mr, 
Fawthrop, I think we can come to something : but 
if you won't, I wash my hands of it. 

(Fred moves to_ the bar.) 

Fred. Well, I reckon ye'll have to have it your 
own way. What's it to be ? 
MiLBANK. Scotch, please. 

(Fred produces two glasses, a bottle of whisky, and a 
jug of water. They each mix a glass. Milbank 
pulls out his cigar-case.) 

Milbank. Have a cigar. Mrs. Fawthrop not 

in ? I say, what a devil of a woman it is I 

beg your pardon. 

Fred {with an attempt at manners). Don't mention 
it. Nay, she reckons to go to t' church of a Sunday 
mornin'. I'm a Chapel man mysel', an' there isn't 
one about here. 

Milbank. By Jove, what a good idea ! I never 
thought of that, though I've an aunt who's a Ply- 
mouth sister. However, to come to business. 

Fred. Na then. 

Milbank. Porritt went straight to London, of 
course. He has a sister, a widow, who keeps a pub. 
in Camberwell. And he was there yesterday. 
(Hides a yawn with his hand). But I don't think — 
[takes a sip of whisky) — I don^t think finding him 
will be the worst of it, Mr. Fawthrop. 

Fred {with heat) . It won't if he's selled t' diamond 
while we're foolin' about here. 

Milbank {with exaggerated composure), It won't 
if he has the diamond in his pocket. 

Fred. I don't see what ye mean. If I once lay 
my hands on that chap, I'll forgive him if he gets off 
again. 

Milbank. He sent me this wire yesterday. 

{He hands Fred a telegram. Fred reads it with 
amazement.) 



THE DEVIL'S STAR. 35 

Fred. Well, he must be barmy ! I reckon ye've 
set t' police on ? 

MiLBANK. No, I've done nothing. I got it at 
the same time as your note. 

Fred. Well, if you'll excuse me, my lord {with 
a sarcastic emphasis on the title), I think it's time I 
knew where we stand. Which side are ye on, like, 
if it's a fair question ? 

MiLBANK. Don't talk nonsense, Mr. Fawthrop. 
What do you think I'm here for ? Now you see 
what he says. {He reads the telegram.) " Have 
found the D. If buyer, wire Croft's." He's found 
it, you see. Among the chips. In the bureau you 
sold him. You remember what I said ? — that I'd 
give five hundred for them on the chance. 

Fred. Aye, but I can swear, an' so can Lizzie, 
'at that there diamond were under t' pot dog on t' 
mantel, at after he'd ta'en t' burrew away wi' him. 

MiLBANK. Wait a moment. Then he says, " If 
buyer." He wants me to buy. Now you'll find 
if you think it over that if I were to side with Porritt, 
as you were good enough to suggest, we should have 
a rather strong position. You see, all that happened 
after I left you would be a made-up tale of yours. 
Porritt has the diamond. He has the copy of the 
codicil that it was wrapped in, and he has your receipt 
for the price he paid for the bureau. No magistrate 
would commit him on the strength of a tale like 
yours. That's what he relies on. 

Fred {walking about the room excitedly). Never 
mind about t' magistrate. Let me get ho'd o' 
him, an' /'ll commit him — wi" my boot toe. I'll 
either ha' that diamond or I'll take it out of his 
bones 1 

MiLBANK {with an air of pained rebuke). I can't 
be a party to any violence, Mr. Fawthrop. 

Fred. I'll be hanged if I can make you out, any 
road up. 

MiLBANK. Well, you see, I want that diamond. 



36 THE DEVILS STAR. 

I want to keep it in the family. And there seems to 
be a chance of getting it cheap. 

Fred {clenching his fists). Aw. So ye're bahn 
to 

MiLBANK {quietly, enjoying the situation). I'm a 
buyer, Mr. Fawthrop. But I prefer to buy from 
you. That's why I want you to get it. But I 
haven't much faith in your method. Now, if you'll 
sit down quietly, and behave yourself for five minutes, 
I'll tell 3/0U my idea. 

Fred {reluctantly). Well, na then. {He sits down.) 

MiLBANK {sipping his whisky). We must recon- 
struct the crime. We'll suppose that when Porritt 
got to London he went to a dealer. Well, it's danger- 
ous to buy things like that from the first man that 
comes along. The dealer would want to know how 
he came by it. If Porritt showed him the codicil, 
he w^ould either wire me for confirmation, or he'd 
tell the police, and they'd wire. Things haven't 
got so far. My theory is that Porritt's been frightened. 
He wouldn't have come to me if he could have sold 
it in London. We're not exactly bosom friends. 

Fred. Aw, there'll be plenty o' folk i' London, 
I s'd think, 'at 'ud take it an' ask no questions. 

MiLBANK. No doubt. But perhaps they'd want 
all the plunder. There it is, anyhow. He thinks he 
can do better with me. 

Fred. Well, it doesn't sound to sense, to my 
thinkin'. But there's t' telegram. An' what's to 
be done then ? 

MiLBANK. Do you know, I'm rather expecting 
him down. 

Fred. I wish I was. 

MiLBANK. Well, we shall see. Anyhow, I didn't 
want to miss him if he came, so I left word for them 
to send him on here. 

Fred {sarcastically). Aye, an' he'd come, wouldn't 
he? 

MiLBANK. I think so. My shover is a pretty 



THE DEVIL'S STAR. 37 

stiff chap, and there's a footman or two, and- 



Fred (grinning). I see. I hope you telled 'em 
'at ye wouldn't ha' no violence. 

MiLBANK. Mr. Fawthrop, I'm afraid I forgot to 
mention it. But then they know me. 

Fred. An' if he doesn't come ? 

MiLBANK. I don't really expect him till to-morrow, 
but you know he'll be nervous till he gets rid of the 
thing. He won't want to hawk it about, and he'll 
be anxious to know whether I'm to be squared or 
not. If he doesn't turn up before morning, I propose 
to wire, making an appointment. Now, it's for you 

to choose Hello ! What's that ? 

(A motor is heard to draw up at the front. There is a 
knocking at the door.) 

Fred {as he goes to open the door). I'll leave it to 
you, my lord. 

MiLBANK, Right. Keep cool. 

(Fred opens the door, admitting Porritt, a chauffeur, 
and a groom.) 

MiLBANK {to the chauffeur). Ah, you found the 
way all right, John ? Well, perhaps you'll wait a 
few minutes outside. Close the door, please. 

{The two servants go out.) 

Fred {to Porritt, with dreadful sarcasm). Now, 
Mr. Porritt, take a chair, an' make yoursel' at home. 
We were nobbut just talkin' about ye. 

(Porritt, who seems perfectly at ease, sits down at th$ 
table.) 

Porritt. Good morning, Mr. Fawthrop. Good 
morning, my lord. I suppose you got my wire. 
I should have preferred to see you privately, but — 
{with a shrug) — it doesn't matter. 

MiLBANK. Yes, I got your wire. But you see, 
Porritt, I'm in a difficulty. I understand you have 



38 THE DEVIL'S STAR. 

the diamond. Perhaps you wouldn't mind telling 
me how you got it. 

PoRRiTT {with a slight, hut perceptible sneer)^ Not 
at all. I might never have found it if I hadn't over- 
heard what you said to Mr. Fawthrop. 

MiLBANK. Ah-h ? What was that ? 

PoRRiTT. I think you said that you wouldn't give 
up the search so long as there was a piece of wood 
left big enough to hold the diamond. " Porritt will 
find it," you were good enough to say. And I did. 
It was a very neat piece of work. A little drawer 
let into the wood at the side. 

MiLBANK. Dear me, how interesting ! And do 
you know, I've been listening to a cock-and-bull 
story about your stealing the diamond from Mr. 
Fawthrop. He says it was under the china dog on 
the mantelpiece. 

Porritt. Oh, is that why I was brought here with 
a guard ? But, my lord, you heard Mr. Fawthrop 
say that he knew nothing about a diamond. 

Fred. All I said was 'at there were nothing i' t* 
bargain about a di'mond. 

Porritt {with a keen glance at Fred). Mr. Faw- 
throp, if ever this business were to come before a 
court, my lawyer would draw such a queer tale out 
of you, that nobody 'd believe a word of it. 

Fred. He'd get naught out o' me but t' truth. 

Porritt. Quite so. That's what I mean, of 
course. But it would sound so very much stranger 
than fiction. {To Milbank, changing his tone.) 
You see, my lord, my cards are so strong that I can 
put them down on the table. 

MiLpANK. A remarkably strong hand, Porritt. 
I said as much to Mr. Fawthrop before you came in. 
And yet you don't go " solo." You come to me. 
That's the puzzling part of it, Porritt. Really, it 
looks fishy, you know. Why take the diamond to 
London at all ? Or if you do, why bring it back ?' 
I suppose yon have brought it back ? 



THE DEVIL'S STAR. 39 

PoRRiTT. Well, to tell the truth, my lord, the 
man I had in my mind was a bit awkward to deal with. 

MiLBANK {inth a glance at Fred) . H'm. I guessed 
as much, Porritt. A crook, I suppose ? Wanted 
to beat you down to nothing ? Talked about risk 
and so forth, as if you were a thief ? 

Porritt. Suppose we come to business. 

Fred. Hear, hear, 

' MiLBANK. Very well. What's the price ? 

Porritt {with a furtive glance at him). Shall we 
say two thousand ? 

MiLBANK {sharply). No, I don't think we will. 
I should prefer to take a trip down to Woolford 
police station with you. You don't bluff me, 
Porritt, and we may as well cut this thing short. 
I buy from Mr. Fawthrop if he'll sell. I wouldn't 
pay you a cent. But if he likes to pay you back 
what you paid him for the bureau 

Fred. Aye. I'll gi'e tha that. All but for f 
thirty-five bob 'at I paid for it mysel'. I'm not 
goin' to lose by it. 

MiLBANK {hiding a smile). Quite so. That's 
natural. Let me see, that will be seventy-three 
pounds five shillings. It's a low price for the Devil's 
Star, Porritt, but it's the best we can offer. There's 
a flaw in the title-deeds, you see. 

Porritt {after a moment's hesitation). I'll take 
five hundred. 

MiLBANK {rising). John ! 

Porritt {quickly). Wait a minute. 

MiLBANK. Very well. {To John, who has opened 
the door.) Stay outside, John. Sorry. It's a mis-fire. 
(John retires.) I don't want to hurry you, Porritt, 
but it isn't the least use making offers. We don't 
give sixpence more than I said. 

Porritt {after a long pause, sulkily). Let's see 
your money i 

(Fred goes to the till in the bar, and returns with a 



40 THE DEVIL'S STAR. 

bundle- of notes and a hag of gold. Porritt produces 
a packet. Fred counts fourteen five-pound notes 
on to the table, adds three pounds from the bag, and 
a half-crown, a two-shilling piece, and sixpennyworth 
of coppers from his pocket. The exchange is made 
by Lord Milbank, who carefully examines the 
diamond before handing the money to Porritt.) 

Milbank. John ! (John appears in the doorway.) 
You needn't wait, John, I shall walk. 

(John goes out. The motor is presently heard driving 

off. Porritt has been slowly bestowing the money, 

smiling to himself, Fred watching him with 

'growing irritation, Porritt stands hesitating 

awhile.) 

Tred. Na then, lad, is there aught else tha wants ' 
'Cause to tell tha t' honest truth, I'm none that fon^ 
o* thy comp'ny. 

Porritt. I only thought it might save you a little 
trouble, Mr. Fawthrop, if I told you that I've had 
the thing valued. (He moves to the door, and, as he 
is going out, turns with a grin.) It's your father's 
best joke, my lord. The Devil's Star is — paste ! 

{He goes out, closing the door after him. The two 
stare at each other in silence. Suddenly, and quite 
distinctly, is heard the sound of an old man's chuckling 
laugh—' He-he-he-ck ! ") 

Milbank {starting up). Did you hear it ? 

(Fred nods. The sound is repeated. Milbank goes 
to the door, and throws it wide. It lets in the brilliant 
light of a summer noon, but there is no one there.) 

(Curtain.) 



ft Ta 



Continued from second page of coVer. 

SCENERY. 

Our stock of scenery consists of 

The Oak Chamber Set. 

This scene will be found suitable for the purpose of an 
ordinary interior in nearly all plays requiring a room 
which is not representing a drawing-room, kitchen, or a 
very poverty-stricken type of room. The kind of 
furniture used in it will naturally do much to indicate the 
status of the people inhabiting 

The Drawing-room Chamber. 

This scene has been prepared on exactly the same 
lines as the oak chamber, and with the same object in 
view—the increase in both height and width according 
to requirement. 

Both Large and Small Garden Scenes 
Both Large and Small Wood Scenes 

A Drop Scene 

Puffed Satin Paper for Proscenium 

Fireplaces 

House^'piece for Street Scene 

Interior Window and Interior Doors 

FULLY ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE 

Sent gratis oa appUcatloa to SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd., 24 
SonthaiBpton Street* Strand, London ; or 28 West 3Mli 9tre«C. 
^ New York Caty, U.SA. 



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